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Peer Resource Center
The VISN 4 MIRECC Peer Resource Center at VA Pittsburgh Health Care System is a Center dedicated to providing consulting services, training, evaluation and research, and advocacy. Led by Matthew Chinman, PhD, the Center offers consulting services to programs or departments hoping to initiate, expand or improve peer support services. We coordinate training and education opportunities with local and national experts who are experienced in this field.
Download a Peer Resource Center Quick Fact Sheet.
What is peer support?
Peer support occurs when people with the same type of problems help each other. In the VHA, Peer Specialists (PSs) are VA employees who help Veterans with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders to successfully engage in their treatment. They promote recovery by sharing their own recovery stories, providing encouragement, instilling a sense of hope, and teaching skills to Veterans.
What does the research say about peer support?
Studies have shown that peer support providers are often better able to:
- Empathize
- Access social services
- Respond to clients' strengths and desires
- Be tolerant, flexible, patient, and persistent
Click here for information about ongoing and past VA studies of peer support.
History of Peer Specialists in VA
2006: About 125 "Peer Support Techs" first hired in VA
2008: First Director of Peer Support hired
2012: About 150 More Peer Support Techs Hired in VA; Executive Order issued for VA to hire 800 Peer Specialists
2013: 956 Peer Specialists on board
2014: Executive Action to place Peer Specialists on PACT at 25 VAMCs
2015: 1,095 Peer Specialists on board
2019: MISSION Act: Two Peer Specialists to be hired at 30 VAMCs for primary care
2008: First Director of Peer Support hired
2012: About 150 More Peer Support Techs Hired in VA; Executive Order issued for VA to hire 800 Peer Specialists
2013: 956 Peer Specialists on board
2014: Executive Action to place Peer Specialists on PACT at 25 VAMCs
2015: 1,095 Peer Specialists on board
2019: MISSION Act: Two Peer Specialists to be hired at 30 VAMCs for primary care
